And so it ends here...after two years

I finally told WL that maybe she should move out in July when Dad comes. There are many reasons and considerations and I struggled for a long time. At one point, I almost felt I was abandoning her and being selfish about my decision.

One of the main considerations that started the whole train of thought was just complete exhaustion and lack of time control over my job. In December, it got so bad I wanted to quit at an appropriate time but I could not afford to lose my rental money (paid for by the company). It reminded me about an article a few years ago I had read about tying yourself down financially when downsizing would most likely make you more flexible. You can quit or change jobs without worrying about status quo because there will not be financial repercussions. And I need the flexibility to do that now. After discussing with DL, we may move to a smaller apartment next year.

Other consideration is dad coming over in July, we were just spending so many weekends sourcing 2nd hand furniture (to minimize consumption) which we have to get rid off when we move. Just doesn't make sense to invest so much when we already do have a room. The third room is just nice to have when my dad listens to opera in the living room heh...he says he'll be quiet but it will not be comfortable for him either if he needs to adapt to us too much. I don't want that.

Of course we have an our housemate irritations but all in all has been after all two great years, not an easy decision to make.

We were going to tell her only at the end of the year because our lease expires mid next year. Coincidentally, another friend J was looking for an apartment. J will not live in a shitty place, so I was happy and relieved when recommending her to ask WL; much earlier than anticipated. (Note: personally, I think it is challenging to find a non-shitty place e.g. walls peeling, yellow stained bathroom with good location with 1500RMB budget). Yesterday, J mentioned to me they found a fairly newly decorated place but WL was hesitating. Again, after much to-ing and fro-ing with DL (are we influencing too much, but she has a choice...etc.), he advised me to reveal our intentions to her earlier than planned. After all, what are the chances half a year down the road to find a non-shitty place, in a good location within budget, half a year before expo starts? No idea, not that I'm a negativist, but not so good I think.

Anyway, the most important thing is to explain all this to WL before we leave to Beijing this weekend. Although I don't owe her an explanation, it's just the right thing to do and let her know it's not been an easy decision. Really it hasn't been.